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History of the ALC
In August 1901 six
mobile cycle campers spent a weekend in tents in an orchard at Wantage. They were some of the newly formed Association of
Cycle Campers (ACC) started by Thomas Hiram Holding. The ACC grew, attracting pedestrian campers and those traveling by car.
It
amalgamated with other groups and eventually became the Camping Club of Great Britain and Ireland. The interest in lightweight
camping still survived and at the end of World War II the name of the Association of Cycle Campers was revived as a specialist
section of the club.
History repeated itself when the cycle campers once
again 'took on board' other lightweight campers, becoming the Association of Cycle and Lightweight Campers (AC&LC) in
1965 and finally the shorter but quite explicit Association of Lightweight Campers (ALC) in 1984.
Within
the present Camping and Caravanning Club our Section continues the unbroken tradition started all that time ago of what is
the most environmentally friendly type of camping there is.
In May 2001 the ALC celebrated its centenary by camping close to the
original site in Wantage, and were able to the visit the original site which is now part of a private garden.
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About the ALC
- for campers who like the quiet life
- for those who camp in small tents
- for campers of all ages, singles, couples, families
- open to all Camping and Caravanning Club members
- for
'green' campers
There's no restriction on your method of travel - walkers, cyclists,
motorcyclists, and car drivers are all equally welcome. Come on a horse or in a canoe, if you please (but if you
do, it might be wise to let the steward know in advance!)
The ALC encourages special areas at major Club events so that
campers in small tents may pitch together and enjoy participation in comfort and safety without feeling overwhelmed by larger
units.
Lightweight camps organised by the ALC have toilet facilities
for those unable to carry their own. Campers comply with the general rules of the parent Club and members come and go
as they wish, providing and using their own tents, equipment, food, etc.
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The Section offers
- Meets throughout the year for lightweight campers on
both a local and national level
- 'Special permission'
sites whose owners allow camping by groups of the ALC by special prior arrangement
- Up-to-date information and advice on all aspects of lightweight equipment, its choice, care and use, and information
on future developments
- Advice and contacts for members
planning tours abroad, with possible exclusive use of sites based on members' experience
- 'Watchdog' action on possible restrictions to the freedom to camp the way members prefer, and making the views of
lightweight campers known to and through the parent Club
- Regular
contact with and through the quarterly Bulletin which is available electronically or through the post to all members
Advance booking is not normally necessary.
Birthday meet 2011 at Watlington
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